Gabby Eigenmann describes ‘Citizen Jake’ director an old school
For Kapuso actor Gabby Eigenmann, working with the legendary Mike de Leon in the upcoming movie “Citizen Jake” was not only fulfilling but a rewarding experience.
“I’m honored. Unang-una, never in my entire career na nag-cross sa mind ko na makakatrabaho siya. Ang tagal na rin niya kasing nagpahinga. Iyong last movie niya, if I’m not mistaken was 13 years ago.
“Nagkaroon ako ng opportunity to be part of the movie. I accepted the role right away without hesitation. I was one of those who auditioned. Nagulat ako dahil first audition ko pa lang, he said, he liked me right away. So, I got the part. I got the role,” he gushed.
Although, his late dad Mark Gil did the acclaimed film “Batch ‘81” under the tutelage of de Leon, he does not want to think that he was cast in the movie because of his father.
“Puwede nating isipin na ganoon. Siguro, dahil I’d like to be proud of the (working) relationship that he had with my dad. Gusto ko ring isipin na pinaghirapan ko rin ito. Pinakita ko nga iyong tattoo ko sa kanya na may mukha ng Dad ko,” he said.
Unlike other actors who haven’t had the chance to work with the award-winning director, he said that he considers himself lucky to have met him.
“Madami kaming napag-usapan. It came to a point na iyong last two shooting days namin, kinausap niya ako. He said you’re like pareho kayo ng Dad mo, same mannerism. So, naalala niya. Natuwa naman ako. Sabi ko, it’s not just me. If he has the chance to work with my other brother, Sid, he’s more of like Dad when it comes to being an intense actor. Natutuwa naman ako dahil sa semblance na napansin niya,” he pointed out.
Although, some are suggesting to them to remake some movies of his Dad like “Batch ‘81,” no one in the family is keen on the idea.
“Napag-usapan kasi naming mga magkakapatid na sa mga movies ni Dad na nagawa at gustong i-remake, walang gustong tumanggap sa amin. Mahirap kasing gawin iyon. Lalo na iyong “Batch ‘81” dahil siya lang iyon. Kung may ire-remake man siguro, gusto ko iyong “Itanong Mo sa Buwan,” he explained.
In “Citizen Jake,” it’s also Gabby’s first time to work with journalist turned actor Atom who plays his brother in the movie.
“Siyempre, it’s a different medium for Atom. He’s a news anchor. Movie is different. I think, he’s well supported in this movie. It’s a good thing na ang mga co-actors niya ay mga beterano na inaalalayan siya,” he said.
If other actors are excited to learn from new-breed filmmakers, Gabby, on the contrary, still wants to work with old school directors like Direk Mike.
“Iba kasi si Direk Mike. Iba rin iyong kinalakihan natin. Kahit old school siya, iba siya. Metikuloso siya. He’s very particular sa script. Pag kami nagsho-shoot, nagre-rehearsal muna kami, nagre-reading , it takes some time then talaga.”
It’s also Gabby’s dream to work with his aunt and costar Cherie (Gil), but unluckily, they have no scenes together in the movie.
“Hindi ko naka-eksena si Tita Cherie. Pero, isa siyempre sa mga dream ko ay makagawa ng isang project o kaya’y series na nandoon ang buong Eigenmann clan,” he ended.
